10 Bewildering Facts About Famous Figures
Explore fascinating and bewildering facts about famous historical figures in this article. Discover shocking stories about Thomas Edison, Charlie Chaplin, Martin Luther King, Muhammad Ali, Michael Jackson, Alexander Graham Bell, Dracula, Fulcanelli, and the ill-fated Titanic.
History is filled with fascinating stories and remarkable individuals, some of whom have surprising and bewildering facts hidden in their past. While we often categorize historical figures as heroes or villains, there are instances where their actions defy expectations and challenge our perceptions. In this article, we will explore the top 10 bewildering facts about famous figures that you might not know.
10. Thomas Edison killed animals by electrocuting them
Thomas Edison, renowned for his contributions to the development of electricity, had a dark side. During his rivalry with Nikola Tesla over control of America's electric infrastructure, Edison sought to discredit Tesla's alternating current. To prove the dangers of Tesla's current, Edison resorted to electrocuting animals. He conducted experiments on dogs, cats, and even a grown elephant named Topsy. This shocking and cruel method aimed to demonstrate the potential hazards of alternating current and solidify Edison's position in the electric industry.
9. Charlie Chaplin's body was stolen from his grave and held for ransom
The comedic genius Sir Charles Chaplin, known for his silent-film-era performances, experienced an extraordinary event even after his death. In 1978, two men stole Chaplin's corpse from a cemetery in Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland. They demanded a ransom of $600,000 from Chaplin's wife, Oona, threatening harm to her children. However, Oona refused to comply, as she believed her husband would not approve. After an investigation, the police apprehended two auto mechanics responsible for the theft. Chaplin's body was found hidden in a nearby cornfield. The motive behind the crime was the financial struggles of one of the perpetrators.
8. Martin Luther King made a living plagiarizing
Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, delivered powerful speeches that inspired millions. However, it came to light that King had plagiarized parts of his speeches, including his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. He borrowed lines from Archibald J. Carey Jr., an African-American lawyer who delivered a similar speech at the Republican Convention in 1952. King's plagiarism extended beyond speeches, as he was also found to have copied sections of his doctoral thesis. This discovery tarnished his reputation and raised questions about the originality of his ideas.
7. Ernest Vincent Wright wrote a novel without using the letter "E"
Ernest Vincent Wright, an author with a unique challenge, wrote a novel called "Gadsby" that deliberately excluded the letter "E" from its entirety. The novel contained approximately 50,000 words, making it a remarkable achievement. To avoid using the letter "E," Wright removed the corresponding key from his typewriter, forcing himself to find alternative words and phrases. The absence of "E" posed significant obstacles, particularly in verb conjugation and numbers. Despite criticism and skepticism upon its release, Wright's achievement demonstrated the power of determination and creativity.
6. A stolen bicycle inspired Muhammad Ali's Career
Before Muhammad Ali became a legendary boxer, he was Cassius Clay, a young boy from Louisville, Kentucky. One pivotal incident in his early life influenced his path to boxing greatness. When his bicycle was stolen at the Columbia Auditorium, a frustrated Clay expressed his desire to confront and fight the thief. Coincidentally, a police officer present at the scene happened to be a boxing coach. Recognizing Clay's potential, the officer suggested he learn how to fight before challenging others. This encounter sparked Ali's passion for boxing, setting him on the path to becoming one of the greatest athletes in history.
5. Michael Jackson's Desire to Play Spider-Man
Michael Jackson, known for his music career, also harbored dreams of becoming a superhero on the silver screen. He expressed his interest in playing the role of Spider-Man and even discussed the idea with director Stan Lee. Jackson went as far as considering purchasing the rights to the character. Lee, while acknowledging Jackson's potential, believed that Tobey Maguire was an excellent choice for the role. However, Jackson's love for superheroes didn't end there, as he also approached X-Men producers with a proposal to portray Professor X. Whether these opportunities were missed or simply remained as dreams, one can imagine Jackson's performances would have been quite the "thriller."
4. Alexander Graham Bell and the Controversy Surrounding the Telephone
Alexander Graham Bell, often credited as the inventor of the telephone, faced controversy surrounding his claim to this groundbreaking invention. Evidence suggests that Bell may have stolen the idea from inventor Antonio Meucci. Meucci, who originally called his invention the electrophone, faced financial difficulties and could not afford to file a complete patent. Tragedy struck when his materials were lost in a Western Union lab where Bell coincidentally worked. Two years later, Bell filed a patent for the telephone, leading to legal battles with Meucci. Unfortunately, Meucci passed away before he could appeal against Bell, and the House of Representatives declared the appeal irrational.
3. The Dark History of Dracula
The infamous character Dracula, popularized by Bram Stoker's novel, was inspired by a real historical figure. Dracula was based on Vlad the Impaler, who lived in 15th-century Transylvania. Vlad was known for his brutal reign, during which he was responsible for the deaths of thousands of people. His preferred method of execution was impalement, in which sharp objects were pierced through the bodies of victims. Merchants, ambassadors, and even children fell victim to Vlad's merciless acts. His reign of terror earned him the title "Dracula," and his brutal killings still haunt history.
2. Fulcanelli and the Mystery of Turning Lead into Gold
Fulcanelli, a mysterious alchemist whose true identity remains unknown, was associated with incredible achievements. One of his students, Eugene Canseliet, claimed to have witnessed him turning lead into gold. However, Fulcanelli vanished in 1926, leaving behind a trail of speculation. Some theories suggest that Fulcanelli's disappearance was a hoax, as he wanted to keep the secret of creating gold hidden. The truth behind Fulcanelli's identity and his alleged ability to transmute lead into gold remains a perplexing mystery in history.
1. The Ill-Fated Voyage of the Titanic
The RMS Titanic, considered unsinkable at the time, tragically met its demise on April 15, 1912. Carrying over 2,200 passengers and crew members, the colossal ship struck an iceberg while crossing the Atlantic Ocean. As water flooded the compartments, the ship broke in half. The lack of lifeboats further exacerbated the disaster, as there were only enough for a fraction of the people onboard. Despite the Titanic's capacity for 64 lifeboats, only 20 were carried, accommodating a limited number of passengers. Ultimately, around 1,178 individuals were saved by the lifeboats, representing just 33 percent of the total passengers. The sinking of the Titanic remains an enduring symbol of maritime tragedy.
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